Doc appt...few questions...

[ashleighnb]

Today my doctor officially said that he thinks I might have PCOS. He prescribed me provera to induce a period because I haven't had one since I last had provera in September. Also he prescribed Metformin which I am not completely understanding what it does. I know that it helps to regulate my insulin but as far a getting pregnant, will it increase my chances of ovulating on my own?

Anyone who has any knowledge about this, could you please help me understand this whole thing. I have had two pregnancies before (one full term, one ectopic) naturally so using meds and intervention is new to me. Any input would be very helpful.

[wantbabynow09]

You have to make sure you take your Metformin with a meal...and quite a substantial one.  You should have eased into your dosages.  Most doctors will start you off taking 2/day for 2-4 weeks, then move onto 3/day.  My dosage stayed at 3/day, but some women take up to 4/day.  The first month was pretty rough for me as well....diarrhea and dizziness, but all is great now.  

My mother took Metformin to help get her diabetes under control, but she also had a severe reaction as you describe.  I would ease into the drug, but give it a few months so your body can adjust...if you can handle it, that is.

How did the HSG test go?  Any blockages?

[ashleighnb]

ALT76 - Thank you for your response. I think I might try to find that book.


On another note...I started my Metformin Thursday night because I didn't know how it would effect me. Well I woke up Friday morning extremely nauseous(sp?) but I felt better after I ate so I took my second dose. After that it was all down hill. I was vomitting and had diarrhea (TMI?) all day long. I couldn't even keep down water. Same thing all day saturday. Saturday night I was able to keep down a few crackers and water so I didn't go to the doc figured the medicine was leaving my system. Sunday I was really groggy and a little dizzy still had diarrhea but I was able to eat a little. Monday and tuesday I have been fine unless I missed a meal, then I would feel dizzy and get a headache. After Fridays dose I have not taken anymore of my metformin because I am scared of it happening again. I called my doc and let him know what happened but he hasn't called back to let me know what I should do about taking the meds.

Has this happened to anyone?

[ALT76]

Metformin definitely helped regulate me.  I've been on it for 2 1/2 years and it stopped my weight gain, and regulated my periods again.  By regulate I mean I get them "regularly" every 40-50 days, but at least I get them on my own.  Everyone's case of PCOS can be vastly different - so whether or not it makes you ovulate depends on the person and the different manifestations of PCOS that you have.

If you have recently been diagnosed, I would pick up "The Ultimate PCOS Handbook - Lose Weight, Boost Fertility, Clear Skin and Restore Self-Esteem" but Colette Harris and Theresa Cheung

This book is amazing - very easy read, and explained things about PCOS way better than I'd found anywhere else.  It also covers EVERYTHING!  From things you can do naturally to help yourself (vitamins/herbs to dietary changes) as well as all the ins and outs of knowing what PCOS is and what causes it.

I HIGHLY recommend it.  Or - you can feel free to email me and I can look it up for you if I don't know the answer

Best of luck to you!

[ashleighnb]

OMGoodness thank you for the warning!! I am fairly tolerant with pain as well. I didn't have an epideral until two hours before my daughter was born. However I will be very cautious during the procedure and expect the pain, that way I will be prepared....
hopefully?

[wantbabynow09]

Just to prepare you for the HSG test...it was more painful than I thought it would be.  I consider myself to have a high tolerance to pain, but the procedure was shocking.  The pain doesn't last long but it felt like someone punched me in the gut; very sharp crippling pain, what I would consider a labor pain (although I haven't had any children yet).  Good luck and I hope your doctor will guide you through the procedure better than mine did.  If I had known when the dye was going to be injected I could have better prepared my mind.  I am hoping the test gives you the answer to your questions.

[ashleighnb]

Thanks for your comment wantbabynow09. It was very informative. I am also having an HSG on Feb 23, I had an ectopic in 07 and my problems didn't start until shortly there after so they want to make sure the laparscopy didn't cause a blockage.

I hope we all get our wish for a little bean.

SDSBD to all!!!

[wantbabynow09]

My husband and I have been trying to conceive for 2 years.  A year ago I started seeing a OBGYN to get more answers.  He immediately diagnosed me with PCOS and started Metformin.  I was very skeptical of the PCOS diagnosis because my periods are regular, and have been regular since going off birth control over 3 years ago.  Metformin helps correct the insulin resistence which in turn regulates ovulation.  I also did 7 months of Clomid, but that just drove me bananas (and I mean CRAZY).  It did not help with pregnancy so 3 months ago I stopped taking that..I just felt the side-effects weren't worth all the emotional and physical oddities.  I am still taking the Metformin and truly believed this has helped somewhat.

I have also had a number of hormone tests, and an HSG (dye test) to test for fallopian blockage.  All was normal so far.  I just went for a progesterone test today to see if perhaps my lining sheds too early.  I am hoping this shows something because progesterone therapy is an easy solution...and much less expensive than IVF.

[ashleighnb]

Thanks for your comment. That really gives me some hope.

[bny807]

Hello! well sorry they found something, but on the other hand its godo that they found something that can be fixed easily: )    I have PCOS as well, but normal periods.. the metformin can defintely help you get pregnant - it should help you produce a mature follicle each month and help it actually ovulate.. it regulates many people who dont' have regular cycles normally.. they say it takes a month or two to get full benefits from the meds though.. i noticed i produced more follies once i was on it even after three weeks!  GOOD LUCK!!!  : ) .